Inside India’s Dream: Sleeping with the World Cup

India’s Women’s Cricket Team didn’t just win the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025—they brought the trophy to bed. In a heartwarming and now-iconic moment of pure, unfiltered joy, star batter Jemimah Rodrigues shared photos of herself and teammates Smriti Mandhana, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav fast asleep with their hard-earned prize resting right beside them .

Inside India’s Dream: Sleeping with the World Cup

The image is more than a celebration; it’s a symbol. It captures the raw, exhausted euphoria of athletes who had just made history. After a grueling tournament and a nail-biting final against South Africa, the players’ decision to literally sleep with their trophy speaks volumes about the emotional weight of their achievement—the culmination of years of dedication and a watershed moment for a nation .

From Record Chase to Fairytale Final

The path to that trophy was paved with brilliance. Jemimah Rodrigues, in particular, etched her name in the annals of the sport with an unbeaten 127 against a formidable Australian side in the semi-final. Her innings powered India through a record chase, securing their place in the final in a display of nerve and skill that left fans breathless .

Then came the final showdown in the UAE against South Africa. The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, delivered a complete performance to win by 52 runs, sealing their maiden World Cup title and sending a billion hearts into overdrive .

The Players Behind the Moment

The now-famous photo features four key architects of this historic win:

• Jemimah Rodrigues: The young batting sensation whose calm under pressure was instrumental in the knockout stages.
• Smriti Mandhana: The stylish opener and vice-captain, a senior leader whose experience guided the team.
• Arundhati Reddy: A fiery pacer who consistently broke crucial partnerships in the middle overs.
• Radha Yadav: A crafty left-arm spinner known for her deceptive variations and economical spells.

This moment of them sleeping together, trophy in tow, is a powerful testament to their camaraderie and shared dream .

What This Win Means for Women’s Cricket in India

For decades, women cricketers in India faced immense challenges, from limited resources to a lack of mainstream attention. Their journey has been one of resilience, from “sleeping on dormitory floors and eating in plastic vessels” to standing atop the world . This victory is not just a trophy; it’s a catalyst.

Experts and fans alike agree that this historic win is poised to ignite a new era for the sport. Expect a massive surge in grassroots participation, increased corporate sponsorships, and a long-overdue spotlight on the incredible talent in the women’s game. The “Jemimah-Rodrigues-sleeping” photo might just become the defining image of this new age.

Key Stats from India’s Triumphant Campaign

Milestone	Detail
Final Result	India beat South Africa by 52 runs
Semi-Final Heroics	Jemimah Rodrigues 127* vs Australia (Record Chase)
Historic Achievement	India’s first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title
Tournament Top Scorer	Smriti Mandhana (421 runs)

Sources

Times of India: Are we still dreaming? Jemimah shares pictures of teammates sleeping with World Cup trophy
Hindustan Times: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues sleep with World Cup trophy
The Remarkable Rise Of Women’s Cricket In India
ICC: Photos: How India celebrated Women’s World Cup win